Professional organizationsPAGE 2 | THE WIRETROO P ER-T O-TROO P ER | FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 2010 JTF GUANTANAMO Commander: Navy Rear Adm. Tom Copeman Command Master Chief: Navy Master Chief Petty Officer Scott A. Fleming Office of Public Affairs Director: Navy Cmdr. Brook DeWalt: 9928 Deputy Director: Navy Lt. James Gonzales: 9927 Operations Officer: Army Capt. Robert Settles: 3596 Supervisor: Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Randy Dunham: 3649 The Wire Executive Editor, Command Information NCOIC, Photojournalist: Navy Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Edward Flynn: 3592 Editor, Photojournalist: Army Spc. Tiffany Addair: 3499 Photojournalists: Navy Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Marcos T. Hernandez Navy Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Zachary Harris Navy Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Matthew Campbell Army Sgt.Athneil Thomas Army Sgt.Derrol Fulghum Air Force Staff Sgt. Angela Ruiz Army Spc. Cody Black Army Spc. Tiffany Addair Navy Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kellie Bliss Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Justin R. Wheeler Contact us Editors Desk: 3499 or 3594 From the continental United States: Commercial: 011-53-99-3499 DSN: 660-3499 E-mail: thewire@jtfgtmo.southcom.mil Online: www.jtfgtmo.southcom.mil COVER:Air Force Senior Airman Christopher S. Peek, with the 474th Expeditionary Civil Engineering Squadron, removes a metal roof from a building in Camp America, March 10. JTF Guantanamo photo by Army Spc. Cody Black BACK COVER: Birds sit atop buoy three in the waters of Guantanamo Bay, March 8. JTF Guantanamo photo by Army Spc. Cody Black The WIRE is the official news magazine of Joint Task Force Guantanamo. It is produced by the JTF Public Affairs Office to inform and educate the Troopers of JTF Guantanamo through news, features, command guidance, sports and entertainment. The WIRE seeks to provide maximum disclosure with minimum delay with regard to security, accuracy, propriety and policy. This DoD news magazine is an authorized publication for the members of the Department of Defense. Contents of The WIRE are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense, or Joint Task Force Guantanamo. It is printed by the Document Automation & Production Service with a circulation of 1,000.Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Randy Dunham JTF Guantanamo Public Affairs Senior Enlisted Leader_________________________________________________________As members of the military, were used to taking charge and getting things done. entitlements is through our professional organizations. Were allowed to be a part of the political process by voting, writing our representatives and attending rallies, as long as were in civilian clothes. Guard and Reserve members are also allowed while on duty and in uniform, we do have the right to support professional organizations who can, and do, lobby those people. military makes it even more important to support organizations that can represent us. While I would never tell any of you which professional organization to join, I will point you to the Military Coalition a group of 34 professional organizations representing more than 5.5 million members of the uniformed services including active, guard/reserve, retired, survivors, veterans and the oh so important families. I am a member of no less than three professional organizations, two of which Im a life member. Im a past president of one organization and a past national director of another organization based in Washington, D.C. I believe each of us has an obligation to support professional organizations so we leave a legacy for this generation of generation. As a member of a professional organization in 2009, here are a few of the issues you may have been involved with to ensure were building a solid future: Higher pay raises (budget called for 3.4 percent for 2010 the combined efforts of professional organizations pushed that to 3.9 percent) Increases in hazardous duty pay proposed 350 percent increase departments of natural resources The selling point for the organizations is membership. When a lobbyist visits a representative on Capitol Hill, that lobbyist can say he represents the Military Coalition, legislator would jump at the opportunity to represent 5.5 million people. Some may argue were not allowed to canvass our ranks to encourage people to join those organizations. I cant speak for the other services, but on the Air Force organizations. It does not say which organization, just that everyone has an obligation to support at least one organization. I believe it is incumbent for every person in uniform to support these types of professional organizations. We have today what someone before us fought to gain. If we let the learn more about some of these organizations, visit the Military Coalition at www.themilitarycoalition.org.

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Army Spc. Aaron Rogers, with the 525th Military Police Battalion, smiles at a picture of his wife and daughter, March 9. JTF Guantanamo photo by Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Justin R. Wheeler FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 2010 | MISSIONTHE WIRE | PAGE 3 Coping with being awayMarine Corps Lance Cpl. Justin R. Wheeler JTF Guantanamo Public Affairs____________________________The photos say it all smiling faces of family and friends, and favorite places prominently displayed on desks and on walls. Theyre reminders of other places and other people all miles away from here. Joint Task Force Troopers and Naval Station Guantanamo Bay personnel come to the island from duty stations across the world, and often leave their families and loved ones behind sometimes on bases that are unfamiliar to them, said Lee Adelman, education services facilitator at the Fleet and Family Support Center. In many instances, the spouses role like raising children or balancing the family budget, is greatly enhanced as the service member moves out for the deployment. When the sponsor is deployed, inevitably the spouse takes on the role of the sponsor, and the workload and responsibilities that were once shared Adelman. The geographic separation begins when the sponsor receives orders for an unaccompanied tour to one of many locations. Depending on the place and job, these tours can range from four months to two years. Army Spc. Aaron Rogerss wife is daughter in Japan. Rogers, with the 525th year deployment away from his wife and daughter, and will return home later this year. When we met, I was in the Air Force and she knew what she was marrying especially with my wife being pregnant. So, we work together to do what we can to Once a week, Rogers makes an international call in the morning, taking consideration. He feels that being separated only strengthens their relationship in the long run. I feel that when we get back together, we will have a better appreciation of what In some cases, the family of the deployed member is left behind in a location that is remote from their original home. That can create even more stress on the marriage. For newly married couples apart during a deployment, it can often be a challenging strengthen their marriage and parenting skills, many programs and services are offered to help meet the unique challenges FFSC provides essential life skills classes and counseling to military and civilian personnel. The FFSC plays a helping role within the community by providing Guantanamo Bay with family and relationship support services. These services include classes on building relationships across the miles, alternatives to violence, loving relationships, family advocacy program, parenting and couples communication. In doing so, these programs enhance operational readiness and retention support services, thereby enhancing the quality of life for all station personnel. Additional services offered for military personnel include access to liberty centers and use of their computers with Internet access and Web cams, allowing video chat with families. Programs like personnel an opportunity to have a more personal moment with their children. Other organizations that play a related stress throughout the naval station and Recreation, said Adelman. The NEX is committed to ensuring that the comforts from home are available on And recreational equipment, ranging from electronics to outdoor cooking are in ample of recreational, social and community activities and programs. These two are dedicated to mitigating deployment just throws you a curve ball and stress seems to control your life if that happens,

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MISSION | FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 2010 PAGE 4 | THE WIREVarious U.S. government and non-governmental agencies conduct humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations JTF Guantanamo photo illustration by Navy Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Marcos T. HernandezNavy Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Marcos T. Hernandez JTF Guantanamo Public Affairs___________________________________________After two months of ongoing relief efforts in Haiti, Operation The U.S. military was called on to support the U.S. Agency for International Development, the lead agency for our government in these relief efforts, and we responded immediately with several deputy commander of U.S. Southern Command. The immediate mission was to save lives and provide emergency assistance to those who were struggling to meet the needs of the Since the Jan. 12, 7.0 earthquake devastated the island nation, more than 22,000 U.S. military members have supported relief operations in and around Haiti. In addition, and cargo support. While the overall U.S. government response is handled by the U.S. Agency for International Development, OUR military support continues through JTF Haiti. The combined efforts of Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and supporting personnel have delivered more than 2.6 million liters of water, 2 million meals, 17 million pounds of bulk food and 149,000 pounds of medical supplies to the people of Haiti. The U.S. military has also supported the rehabilitation of buildings and structures, and provided shelter for the Haitian population. Many U.S. military assets have left Haiti as forces transition and international relief agencies. I think we have reached the point where relief efforts have providing OUR logistical support from Naval Station Guantanamo Bay. After we [U.S. military] leave Haiti, then the relief organizations and agencies would do what they do best to continue back to their home stations, but operations continue. Even though some of the personnel here have gone back to the concept of what a Joint Logistic Hub is while supporting Troopers still participating in OUR or those who have returned from Haiti, have contributed in a joint fashion to aid seamlessly a nation in need. Air Force Gen. Douglas M. Fraser, commander of U.S. SOUTHCOM, commended service members for their valiant efforts and outstanding performance while providing support to Haiti. Ive personally seen what these brave young men and women year. The men and women who deployed to Haiti performed Continuing support to Haiti

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Camp Bulkeley Gym has new hours! The gym will now open at 8 a.m. *FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 2010 | MISSION THE WIRE | PAGE 5Earning y our volunte er mark Navy Ships Serviceman 2 nd Class Yernando Chipimarquez, with the Navy Expeditionary Guard Battalion, takes time out of his day to pick up trash at Windmill Beach, March 8. JTF Guantanamo photo by Army Sgt. Derrol FulghumArmy Sgt. Derrol Fulghum JTF Guantanamo Public Affairs____________________________Ideally, few in uniform work their magic to gain personal recognition. However, any military member will admit its nice to get a pat on the back or another ribbon for the ribbon rack. One of those awards that might not pop into someones head is the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal. And service is probably at the core of why many people joined the military to give back to their community. In that spirit, the MOVSM is not as philanthropy isnt reason enough to start volunteering, then consider the more and a chance to earn the MOVSM. From the Salvation Army to the Special Olympics with thousands of charities between, volunteerism has made the world a better place. Humanitarians dedicate countless hours to helping those less fortunate. Joint Task Force Guantanamo has several volunteer opportunities available to By giving back to the community, Troopers enhance the quality of life for everyone around them, which positively affects the volunteers as well. When JTF Troopers and other personnel volunteer their time and abilities, it helps Command Sgt. Maj. Gary Fowler, Joint Detention Group command sergeant major. assigned to the island as part of Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, or a tenant unit occupying naval station space and sharing With Guantanamo Bay being 45 square looking for ways to occupy time. Being stationed in such an isolated duty station, volunteering is a great chance to get st Class Scott Williams, volunteer coordinator for Williams actively coordinates events for the local Girl Scouts, W.T. Sampson Elementary and High schools, and the local Parent Teacher Association. Williams tries to organize at least one event every month, such as cleaning up school grounds and local beaches. [Volunteering] keeps us out of a rut that so many of us [fall into] during long Each service has guidelines for earning the MOVSM. But approval authorities will ensure that the service to be honored merits the special recognition afforded by this award. Aside from the award and recognition, around us. Anyone interested in volunteering jtfgtmo.southcom.mil and you will be added to the distribution list for upcoming volunteer activities. For Troopers looking to earn the MOVSM, contact Air Force Tech. Sgt. volunteer coordinator.

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LOCA L SP OR T S | FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 2010 PAGE 6 | THE WIREThe Getum Girls, an all-female basketball team comprised of JTF Troopers, pose for a group photo at G.J. Denich Gym, March 4. JTF Guantanamo photo by Navy Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Marcos T. Hernandez Go Getum Girlsgame individually and as a team, according to Joseph. Refusing to give up, the team practiced nightly to work on skills and drills. In the end, they learned a little more than just how to play basketball. I learned that everything is not about Savage, who served as team captain. Im a strong competitor and I dont like losing, but playing in this league has taught me that losing is not always a bad thing. I am very proud of our team and what we have accomplished in the league. We showed up enjoyed much success on the scoreboard, their accomplishments cant be measured in victories or defeats. because we challenged ourselves by continued to do our best regardless of what the scoreboard read. There is no way we could have completed this season if we did not have a team of highly motivated and female team. with the 525th Military Police Battalion. They played against tough competition, Being the only all female team in a respect from the spectators as well as other teams, Joseph said. We had a lot of positive comments said. Things like dont give up, and keep Navy Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Edward Flynn JTF Guantanamo Public Affairs____________________________The old saying goes, you can take the Task Force Guantanamo, you can take the girls out of the game, but not the game out of the girls. Although disappointed that an all female basketball league was cancelled due to lack of participation, a determined group of Joint Task Force hoopsters decided to not quit and opted to compete as the only As the season was about to tip off, the players were informed by Naval Station Morale, Welfare and Recreation that there were not enough female teams to continue league play. Due to the lack of female teams signing up for the league, I offered the only female team the opportunity to play in the males coordinator. the mens league. This change in plans not only affected their status on the court, it also impacted their state of readiness and preparation. Once we received news that we would only compete against males, we knew we Joseph. Everyone knew we had a long, hard road ahead of us but we were all up for time playing organized basketball, while Army Sgt. Alexandria Savage advances through the court while getting ready to throw a basketball during the last game of the season, March 4. JTF Guantanamo photo by Navy Mass Communication Specialist 1 st Class Marcos T. Hernandez

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FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 2010 | MOVIE REVIE W THE WIRE | PAGE 7 An interesting twist on the end of humanity Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Zachary Harris JTF Guantanamo Public Affairs____________________________ movie provides an interesting twist on the humdrum doomsday theories and apocalyptic catastrophes that have been very popular in Hollywood in recent years. Almost everyone on Earth has turned into vampires. Dr. Edward Dalton (Ethan Hawke) is a hematologist at a large pharmaceutical for human blood. Only 5 percent of the remaining population is human and they are hunted and farmed for their blood. Dalton himself a vampire is sympathetic to the humans, barely consuming enough blood to survive. The effects of the spreading mass hunger manifest in the form of mutation. Vampires who go hungry begin to change into grotesque creatures resembling more of a bat than a human. While driving home one night, Dalton takes notice of the mutation in his right ear. While analyzing the oddity in his Luckily, he escapes any major harm to himself or vehicle. Unluckily though, the It is in that scene we see Hawkes sympathy for the human race. As the police pull over to investigate the car accident, Dalton hides the humans in his car. The hiding in Daltons car, Bennet takes notice authorities have left the scene, the humans escape into the night. Bennet seeks out Dalton at his home to to meet with Bennets contact, Lionel part of Elvis, a tough man who holds the key to turning the tables on the vampires permanently. as Dalton, Bennet and Elvis race to a secret location to start working on the cure that will end the vampires reliance on humans for blood. It is interesting to see the classic scenario of few vampires and many humans turned upside down. The adaptations to a nocturnal kind of detail that shows directors Michael and Peter Spierig did their homework. The special effects and makeup were look of the mutated vampires was especially well done. Unfortunately, the story left many questions unanswered like how the spread of vampirism actually started. These omissions were quite disappointing. Hawke and Dafoe deliver impressive performances nonetheless. Sam Neil, who plays Charles Bromley, the head of the pharmaceutical company Hawke works for, played a surprisingly chilling villain. a distinct twist on the popular apocalyptic genre, leaves many holes like the ones left by the very vampires it centers on.

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PAGE 8 | THE WIRE FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 2010 THE WIRE | PAGE 9 Army Sgt. Damita Furlonge reviews a JTF service members government driver license during the vehicle inspection. Army Sgt. Damita Furlonge speaks to a service member during a random vehicle inspection. Army Staff Sgt. Louin Chung goes over a vehicle inspection worksheet with a JTF service member. service member after turning in their inspection worksheet. Navy Logistics Specialist Chief Jillian Easley speaks to a service member during a JTF motor pool random inspection. Troopers with the J-4 motor pool conduct random vehicle inspections of all JTF vehicles, March 4. The vehicles are inspected for proper upkeep, ensuring that the vehicles are always prepared to carry out the mission. JTF Guantanamo photos by Air Force Staff Sgt. Angela Ruiz JTF vehicles line the road during a motor pool vehicle inspection. INSPECT I ONS

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NE W S & IN F OR M A T ION | FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 2010 PAGE 10 | THE WIREAlcohol and its JTF Guantanamo photo illustration by Navy Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Marcos T. Hernandez Navy Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Edward Flynn JTF Guantanamo Public Affairs____________________________Alcohol, illegal drug use and driving It is important to remember the dangers and consequences of driving under the someone is killed by a drunk driver every 45 minutes, according to Mothers Against Drunk Driving. Additionally, about three in every 10 Americans will be involved in their lives. the military frequently involve the use of alcohol and the results are devastating to the victim. When someone is assaulted, it changes victim intervention and training specialist at JTF. Over the last two years, in almost Guantanamo Bay, both the victims and the is important to have safety measures in place. Joint Task Force Guantanamo has a strict alcohol policy for the protection of Troopers and the surrounding community. Drinking and driving here at JTF Navy Command Master Chief Alfonso Rivera, senior enlisted advisor for the Navy or drugs must realize that this behavior has severe legal, personal and professional eventually negatively impact your future in the U.S. military, Rivera said. Alcohol abuse does not discriminate against rank or age. Additionally, being deployed to a remote area such as Naval stress. Family separation and readily available alcohol can contribute to this isolation and increase alcoholism. As leaders, we recognize that alcohol commander of the 525th Military Police Battalion. We must also ensure the help is always available to any Trooper in need of Fortunately, living and working in While deployed to JTF, help is available to any individual seeking alcohol counseling or just someone with whom to talk. Providing service members with the needed support system has been the cornerstone of the Joint Stress Mitigation and Restoration Team. JSMART offers counseling to service provide alcohol awareness assistance and help arrange counseling through the said Navy Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Frank Robinson, a member of the JSMART team. We stress to Troopers the importance The Naval Station Guantanamo Bay base hospital has designed SARP to provide substance abuse issues. Their programs provide focused education on the negative aspects of drinking and drugs. SARP is located at the naval station hospital and can Individual counseling from JTF chaplains and Alcoholics Anonymous meetings are also readily available to JTF Troopers. Id encourage anyone dealing with said Air Force Lt. Col. William Ferrell, JTF command chaplain. We are here to assist you, especially during your time of behavior when you have a support group to share your thoughts, according to Ferrell. Additionally, AA also has meetings in Room 4A on Chapel Hill Monday, Wednesday and Saturdays at 6:30 p.m. Another key component to living a Naval Station Guantanamo Bays Morale, Welfare and Recreation team offers a variety of sports and recreation programs. Intramural sports provide healthy lifestyle alternatives to alcohol and coordinator. Remember to stay safe and drink responsibly. Do not drink and drive. If you choose to drink, do so responsibly.

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THE WIRE | PAGE 11 FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 2010 | NE W S & IN F OR M A T IONHonor Bound leads the way Navy Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Matthew Campbell JTF Guantanamo Public Affairs____________________________For Navy Machinists Mate 1st Class Steven Roberson, being recognized for outstanding accomplishments is not about an individual highlight in a military career. It is about consistently providing fellow Troopers. Roberson, attached to the Navy at Joint Task Force Guantanamo, praised Troopers for instilling in him the skills and professionalism to do his job and become NEGB Sailor of the Quarter, and to receive a Command Shore Sailor of the Year. nd Class Brendan McAvoy, who won NEGB Junior Sailor of the Quarter, and Aviation Electronics Technician Airman Daniel Roberts, who won NEGB Blue Jacket of the Quarter, are also being recognized for outstanding leadership. To receive the honor of being named Sailor of the Year, a Sailor must participate in a Sailor of the Quarter board. As part of this board, selected Sailors appeal to a respond to questions about their military knowledge, leadership skills and past performance. If selected as Sailor of the Quarter, the Sailor is recommended to participate in competition at the board, all aspects of leadership and professionalism are weighed heavily. They dont win, they earn this Chief Alfonso Rivera, command master chief of NEGB. Roberson consistently brought out the best in himself and other Of the 40,000 Sailors, Roberson was chosen to appear before the selection board for his strong character and dedication to the mission at JTF Guantanamo, according to Rivera. Roberson distinguished himself environment, Rivera said. It was an honor to come out of my job Roberson credited other JTF Troopers for their outstanding professionalism in carrying out the JTF mission. Without the Troopers, there is no JTF mission. Troopers Roberts, NEGB Blue Jacket of the Quarter winner, credited his command leadership and ongoing mentoring for his successful selection for the junior enlisted award. I am fortunate to have a strong chain of command pushing me forward to leadership deserves this recognition because Roberts was noticed by his chain of command for his tireless work ethic, true professionalism and his distinctive can challenges, said Rivera. McAvoy demonstrated unparalleled dedication to mission accomplishment and his work ethic and volunteer service helped in his selection as the Junior Sailor of the Year for NEGB, said Rivera. This is by far the most challenging McAvoy. Providing ongoing training, mentorship and hands on leadership enabled McAvoy job, said Rivera. Navy Machinists Mate 1st Class Steven Roberson, with the Navy Expeditionary Guard Battalion, peers into a cell of an unoccupied block in the detention facilities, March 4. JTF Guantanamo photo by Navy Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Matthew Campbell

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NE W S & IN F OR M A T ION | FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 2010 PAGE 12 | THE WIRE Camp Bulkeley Gym has new hours! The gym will now open at 8 a.m. Smoking is prohibited at ALL movie theaters. NO Smoking

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FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 2010 | VOICE O F T HE FORCE PAGE 13 THE WIRE | PAGE 13 Boots on the Ground Air Force Senior Airman Elizabeth Rodriguez Navy Boatswains Mate 3rd Class Allen White My mother, because she raised me by herself and is a very strong woman. My mom. She taught me about passion, creativity and how to be a good father to three daughters. My wife, because she is a strong woman to put up with me. Many women. Women before me set the example and its my responsibility to continue for the next generation. Navy Lt. Angela K. Kosko Army Sgt. John B. Sansone Navy Expeditionary Guard Battalion Chief Logistics Specialist (SW/AW) Derrick Branch peers over a group of more than nd class as he serves as a proctor for the Navy-wide Advancement Exam in the Windjammer Ballroom, March 4. JTF Guantanamo photo by Army Sgt. Athneil Thomas

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LI F E & SP IRI T | FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 2010 PAGE 14 | THE WIRE GTMO Religious ServicesDaily Catholic Mass Mon. Fri. 5:30 p.m. Main Chapel Mon. Fri. 12:30 p.m. Troopers Chapel Vigil Mass Saturday 5:00 p.m. Main Chapel Mass Sunday 9:00 a.m. Main Chapel Seventh Day Adventist Saturday 11:00 a.m. Room B Iglesia Ni Christo Sunday 5:30 a.m. Room A Pentecostal Gospel Sunday 8:00 a.m. Room D LDS Service Sunday 9:00 a.m. Room A Liturgical Service Sunday 10:00 a.m. Room B General Protestant Sunday 11:00 a.m. Main Chapel United Jamaican Fellowship Sunday 11:00 a.m. Building 1036 Gospel Service Sunday 1:00 p.m. Main Chapel GTMO Bay Christian Fellowship Sunday 6:00 p.m. Main Chapel Bible Study Wednesday 7:00 p.m. Troopers Chapel The Truth Project Bible study Sunday 6:00 p.m. Troopers Chapel Protestant Worship Sunday 9:00 a.m. Troopers Chapel Islamic Service Friday 1:15 p.m. Room C Jewish Service FMI call 2628 LORIMI Gospel Sunday 8:00 a.m. Room D Choosing positive relationships Air Force Lt. Col. William Ferrell JTF Command Chaplain____________________________In the summer of 1966, the song I Am number three on the music charts in the United States. If you look at some of the lyrics of You may wonder what made such a depressing song so popular. I think it was because Simon and Garfunkel were relate to the pain of broken relationships. Their solution was simply to not have any more. Each verse ended with the and the song ended with the somber lines And a rock feels no pain, and an island Relationships can be one of the biggest sources of pain and hurt in our lives. The vast majority of people who come to me for counseling are in distress because of problems in some relationship. But the truth is, we cant just cut ourselves off from any human contact and avoid the potential for pain and hurt. Relationships pervade every aspect of our lives. But while it is true that relationships can cause problems and hurt, they can also be the biggest source of joy, comfort and peace in our lives. a big factor in how someones life turns out is the relationships they choose. had me working with people who had addictions to alcohol or drugs. It was tragic to see the devastation that these problems caused in peoples lives. It amazed me how many times the root of their substance use goes back to the group of friends they chose in junior high school. It is vitally important to choose relationships that are positive and nurturing. Long before Paul Simon wrote I Am is a piece of the continent, a part of the Relationships do involve risk. We cant control what other people do or how they behave. But we are vitally connected to the people around us and those we choose to invest our lives in. Learning to choose positive relationships and managing our relationships well are key skills we need to develop to have a satisfying life. If you are having problems in some relationship or would like some help in developing your relationship skills, the chaplains here would be glad to meet with you and help.

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THE WIRE | PAGE 15 FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 2010 | 15 MINU T ES O F FA M ETHE WIRE | PAGE 15 The Few and The Proud, at JTF-GTMOMarine Corps Lance Cpl. Justin R. Wheeler JTF Guantanamo Public Affairs_____________________________ The tenacity of the enlisted Marine bleeds My only answer as to why the Marines get the toughest jobs is because the average former 2nd battles in World War II. He has far more boys out here have a pride in the Marine Those values are what drove one Marine the leatherneck. Marine 1st Lt. Christopher Richardson, who works at Joint Task Force Guantanamo of Fame. While the Air National Guard does many things well, I wanted a more physical challenge and a regime of discipline I was He said its interesting being one of the very few here at Guantanamo Bay. In this environment, Richardson works had to learn to speak the language of all the other branches, to see how they operate and In his nine years with the military, including four in the Air Guard, Richardson, as a Marine, has completed the 12 weeks where newly commissioned Marine second weapons, tactics, leadership and protocol. and Scout Sniper Platoon Commanders Course at Marine Corps Headquarters Quantico, Va., and Ground Intelligence course at Dam Neck, Va., before he arrived at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejuene, his On Camp Lejuene, Marines are constantly being rotated through deployments to and from the Middle East, he said. There, he time ground intelligence on the area of operations. Richardson, who became used to the fast pace of Marine Corps bases, notices a similar pace here at Joint Task Force Guantanamo. Our value of the mission here is very said. Everyone seems to be hitting on all cylinders all the time. a part of the team. I am glad to be contributing to mission success wherever the Joint Task Force JTF Guantanamo consists of service members from the Army, Air Force, Navy, Coast Guard and Marine Corps. Richardson notices differences between the Marine Corps and the other branches of service. The Marine Corps has a distinctive Richardson considers Marines to be very disciplined and considers routine training to be very intense. Were considered Americas 911, we Richardson plays a part in todays 911 serves as a buffer between high ranked Marines and lower ranking enlisted. We [lieutenants] give [lower enlisted Marines] the resources and training to obligation of service while doing his best job wherever he is located. Now married, his long term goals are focused on his family rather than himself. I cant think of what is best for me Richardson. I have to think what is best for with his actions and continues to be a hefty contributor to society and the Marine Corps. Marine 1 st Lt. Christopher Richardson, with the J-3, peers off into the distance. Richardson is one of apporximately 10 Marines in the JTF. JTF Guantanamo photo by Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Justin R. Wheeler